While the landing approach on the left is visually striking, the takeoff from Helsinki on the right offers a longer, more varied scenic experience over the unique Finnish archipelago—a landscape feature that is genuinely distinctive and not easily seen elsewhere. The right side captures the transition from mainland to sea that defines the entire departure phase.
Flown HEL to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to London is 1,130 miles (1,819 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Over the Baltic Sea, the flight passes north of the major Swedish cities (Stockholm area remains to the south). The aircraft crosses open water for roughly 1.5 hours. As it approaches the UK, it passes over the North Sea, then the English coast near Norfolk or Suffolk, before descending toward London. Notable midpoint geography includes the Baltic's open expanse, the Swedish archipelago (visible to the south if flying at lower altitudes), and the North Sea's relatively featureless water. The approach to the UK coast reveals the East Anglian coastline with its low, flat terrain and scattered towns before the Thames estuary becomes visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Finnish archipelago and the Baltic Sea immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwestward from HEL, and right-side windows capture the intricate pattern of islands, skerries, and water channels that characterize the Gulf of Finland coastline.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Thames estuary, and left-side windows capture the winding River Thames, the distinctive Canary Wharf cluster, and the London skyline as the plane descends toward the runway on the Isle of Dogs.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to London. While the landing approach on the left is visually striking, the takeoff from Helsinki on the right offers a longer, more varied scenic experience over the unique Finnish archipelago—a landscape feature that is genuinely distinctive and not easily seen elsewhere. The right side captures the transition from mainland to sea that defines the entire departure phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Finnish archipelago and the Baltic Sea immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwestward from HEL, and right-side windows capture the intricate pattern of islands, skerries, and water channels that characterize the Gulf of Finland coastline. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Finnish archipelago (Ahvenanmaa region to the west), Lake Tuusula and inland lakes to the north, Helsinki city sprawl below.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. The aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Thames estuary, and left-side windows capture the winding River Thames, the distinctive Canary Wharf cluster, and the London skyline as the plane descends toward the runway on the Isle of Dogs. Notable sights include: River Thames (with its characteristic meanders), Canary Wharf and Docklands towers, Greenwich Peninsula and the O2 Arena, London's central business district skyline.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to London?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to City (LCY) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,130 miles (1,819 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to London flight path pass over?
Over the Baltic Sea, the flight passes north of the major Swedish cities (Stockholm area remains to the south). The aircraft crosses open water for roughly 1.5 hours. As it approaches the UK, it passes over the North Sea, then the English coast near Norfolk or Suffolk, before descending toward London. Notable midpoint geography includes the Baltic's open expanse, the Swedish archipelago (visible to the south if flying at lower altitudes), and the North Sea's relatively featureless water. The approach to the UK coast reveals the East Anglian coastline with its low, flat terrain and scattered towns before the Thames estuary becomes visible.